readx; After a pause, Curie continued: "General Shi also deeply regrets the outcome of the Burma campaign. Pen × fun × Pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 info He deeply regretted that he should not have sent Sun Liren's troops to help the British army trapped in the oil fields. and vowed that he would never come to the aid of the British army again. It shows that his remorse is deep and painful. ”

"May the Burma campaign never be mentioned again. This painful history, let it end! ”

Chiang Kai-shek was bitter about the defeat in Burma, and he really didn't want to talk about it anymore.

In the next round, Curie wanted to talk about U.S. air aid to China, another dead knot between Chiang Kai-shek and Stilwell.

Talking about this matter, Chiang Kai-shek somewhat showed the shyness of an Oriental gentleman. It seems a little difficult to talk about how you begged for a handout from a rich man and was looked down upon.

Chiang Kai-shek first declared: "Regarding the plane, it is only a trivial matter, and what I attach importance to is General Shi's feelings and attitude towards me. The estimation of matter, under no circumstances, is not important to me. ”

After this foreshadowing, he recounted the ins and outs of the matter: "In view of the importance of the Chinese battlefield and the weakness of the Chinese air force, we have asked General Stilwell to propose to Washington that he accept the request for 500 aircraft to assist China, and have stated that if this minimum requirement cannot be met, it will prove that the Allies have no interest in the Chinese theater of operations." Then, China will find it difficult to undertake the heavy task of assisting its allies in the war, and ask the allies to find another way. Unexpectedly, General Shi misinterpreted our words as an ultimatum, if the United States does not aid the planes, China will find another way, Yunyun. It's really making something out of nothing and confusing the public. ”

Curie listened to it for a long time, but he really couldn't hear how much difference Chiang Kai-shek's own remark that "China will not be able to assist the allies in fighting if it does not give planes" and the "ultimatum" criticized by Stilwell.

"In General Stilwell's position, he should only convey to Washington a request for a particular piece of Chinese military materiel, but he may make a proposal directly to Washington if he thinks it necessary. In other words, he is really caught somewhere between relaying China's demands and making a proposal on its own. As far as I know, he is also sincere in his efforts to China. For example, he has repeatedly asked the US Department of Political Affairs to send 3 to 5 divisions to India in his personal name to expand the strength of US troops in China. Recently, General Shi has repeatedly urged the United States to send the 2nd Destroyer Squadron, the 1st Heavy Bomber Squadron, and the 1st Medium Bomber Squadron to China. The Department of Justice failed to fund its proposal. However, as the commander-in-chief said just now, if the United States cannot provide 500 planes, China will not be able to assist its allies in fighting. ”

After hearing this, Chiang Kai-shek said stupidly: "I do not blame General Shi for not doing his best, and the amount of American aid to China is not the key to the problem."

Song Meiling took over the conversation again and added:

The commander-in-chief thought that what he valued was not the number of planes, but the attitude and spirit. For example, if someone is sincere in helping you, you have to thank them even if it doesn't work out. And the other kind of person helps you with pride and compassion, and the thing is done, and it is not in line with your wishes. Isn't it? ”

Madame Chiang had witty remarks, saying what Chiang Kai-shek wanted to say but did not say. As soon as Madame's voice fell, Chiang Kai-shek was even more eloquent and unashamed:

"I hope that Your Excellency will convey to President Luo that my motive for asking the United States to send a chief of staff to China is absolutely not intended to use this person to ask for additional supplies from the United States. If my actions had been influenced by material temptations, they would have been shaken by the contribution of the book. Therefore, I would like to sincerely assure that I have absolutely no material intention to ask the United States to send a chief of staff to China. Since Stilwell's arrival in Chongqing, I have never asked him for material supplies. General Shi is my chief of staff, so how can there be any reason for the commander-in-chief to ask the chief of staff for assistance? As for the matter of the aircraft, it was only because of the urgent needs of the Chinese theater that the wife proposed it to General Shi for discussion. ”

After listening to Chiang Kai-shek's confession, Curie secretly laughed. In that case, that's the end of the plane's business!

"Chengjiao suddenly opened his mouth." Curie's words put this question at bay.

There were two major knots between Chiang Kai-shek and Stilwell, one was the responsibility for the defeat in Burma, and the other was 500 aircraft. Regarding the Burma War, Chiang Kai-shek had expressed his refusal to mention it again; Regarding the plane, he said that it didn't matter either. Although Chiang Kai-shek was insincere, at least it showed that he did not want to dwell on old accounts. In this way, the main obstacle between Chiang and Shi will not be resolved. Curie's trip to Chongqing City has completed the first step. Next, he had to get Chiang Kai-shek to accept Stilwell's three-pronged counteroffensive against Burma. This was the ultimate mission that Roosevelt gave him.

After the defeat in Burma, the ambitious Stilwell swore revenge, and on the way to India, he drew up a three-way counterattack on Burma. Stilwell proposed that the Chinese Expeditionary Force retreating to India be reorganized and expanded into 3 to 5 divisions as the first way to counterattack Burma from India, codenamed Force X; 15 to 20 divisions were trained in Yunnan with American-style weapons and equipment as the second route to counterattack Burma from Yunnan, codenamed Force Y; The British [***] team landed from Yangon and fought back to Burma as the third route. It was a sprawling strategic plan with Stilwell's personal touches, and although Roosevelt did not study it specifically, the president was in principle in favor of a counteroffensive against Burma. Because this plan is very much in line with President Roza's global strategy. Roosevelt unswervingly emphasized that from the perspective of global strategy, the threat to the United States is far greater than that of Germany, and in Asia, only China can contend with China, and only by encouraging and helping China to actively fight against Japan can the threat to the United States be reduced to the greatest extent.

He was in favor of all of China's active combat actions against the Japanese government. Therefore, he did his best to aid China without sparing weapons, aircraft and artillery, and US dollars. In his opinion, it is much more cost-effective to hand over weapons to China than for the Americans to do so themselves. Therefore, when Burma was about to be cut off and the Yunnan-Burma road was about to be cut off, he was anxious and uneasy, and he repeatedly said to Marshall and others: "We must quickly come up with some way to ensure that weapons are continuously shipped to China." ”

Therefore, Stilwell's plan to counterattack Burma was exactly what President Luo wanted.

However, was Chiang Kai-shek also in favor? For Curie, this is an extremely complex issue. To recapture Burma and reopen the Burma Road, Chiang Kai-shek would certainly not object. However, it is difficult to say whether Chiang Kai-shek was in favor of or against a battle plan proposed by Stilwell to use nearly 20 Chinese divisions to carry out a battle plan.

Persuading Chiang Kai-shek to accept the three-way counteroffensive plan in Burma was certainly much more difficult than resolving Chiang-Shi's relations. Curie has long been aware of this, isn't he ready to have "chewing gum" in his pocket?

It's time to take it out!

On July 29, it rained heavily in Chongqing, and the stove finally cooled a little, and the citizens who had been suffering from the scorching heat stretched their brows, and people on the street spoke more kindly. On this day, Curie presented Stilwell's three-way counteroffensive plan to Chiang Kai-shek. The commander-in-chief was in a good mood, although he was not very expert, but he reviewed the battle plan very carefully, and poked and poked at the large map on the wall.

Next to him, Curie wasted no time in pulling out "chewing gum", and he said to the commander-in-chief:

"From the point of view of China's interests, there are many benefits to implementing a three-way counteroffensive plan. First, with this plan, China would have a better reason to ask the United States for 500 aircraft and 5,000 tons of supplies per month. As long as China undertakes this operation, the United States will meet its demands. Second, at present, all the supplies provided by the United States to China are airlifted through Hump, and the volume of transportation is limited. A large amount of supplies were hoarded in India, delaying the warplanes. If Burma is recovered and the Yunnan-Burma Highway is reopened, the supply of US aid and material resources to China is really unlimited. Third, in this plan, it is proposed to invite the United States to send a division of troops to China to help in the war. General Marshall may not be happy to hear it, but I can persuade him with beautiful arguments. If the US military really came to China to help in the war, the Chinese [***] team will be able to survive and carry forward its fighting spirit. Fourth, once China, which has taken a defensive position, shows its offensive ability and is able to overcome Burma, which is heavily occupied, the world will be impressed. After the war, it was of great benefit to the enhancement of China's international status. ”

Curie handed the commander-in-chief "chewing gum" piece by piece. The commander-in-chief was beautiful, sometimes listening to it from one ear, sometimes listening from the other, and his bare head dangling. Curie went on to say:

President Roosevelt also had the idea of establishing an international system of discipline after the war. That is, for some backward countries, two or three neighbouring countries can be jointly trusteeship. China is one of the world's four powers, and will have the right to govern Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam after the war. ”

The idea that China could also govern a number of small countries is too wonderful and too attractive. Chiang Kai-shek looked at Curie and then at his wife, as if he did not believe that this was true. Madame raised her eyebrows and smiled at him, meaning, Curie did say so, we can make up our minds to do it. So, Chiang Kai-shek grabbed a brush, drew a very circle on the text of the three-way counteroffensive battle plan, and said to Curie decisively:

"It's a good plan. As long as your country can realize the aid plan of 500 aircraft and 5,000 tons of supplies per month, China agrees to send troops. ”

Make a deal now.

After that, Curie and the commander-in-chief exchanged views on some specific details of the battle plan, and it was also a matter of course. Eventually, Curie changed his tone and brought the topic back to Stilwell, who said in a tactful, inquiring tone: "If His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief agrees, can General Shi's position be discussed again?" ”

When Chiang Kai-shek heard this, his eyes rolled, why did he pull it on Stilwell again? Then I thought, what we're talking about today is a big deal, piggybacking on Stilwell, just talking. He replied, "I would like to hear the teachings." ”

"IMHO." Curie said eloquently, "From my point of view, General Stilwell has worked hard for China's interests and planned for the enhancement of Sino-US relations. When China was in dire need of rifles, and Minister Soong's negotiations were ineffective, General Shi managed to get them. He once demanded that the United States send three troops to China, which caused General Marshall to be angry and reprimanded him to stop chattering. All this expression of loyalty, the facts are there, and they can be re-tapped. However, because of his family name, he cannot get along with you, and I think that of course I can change it to others."

Speaking of this joint, Curie deliberately stopped talking to see how Chiang Kai-shek reacted. Chiang Kai-shek scratched his head, pondered for a while, and said: "For the sake of unified command of the Allied forces, I have repeatedly asked Stilwell to correct his attitude towards me. But it's not about people. As for whether to remove General Shi or not, it should be decided by President Roosevelt, and there is no place for us to put their beaks. ”

Hearing the meaning of this, Chiang Kai-shek relented, and was not as quick as Stilwell was to get rid of him as he had in the past, so Curie boldly said:

"In my opinion, a three-way counteroffensive plan is far greater than a one-man advance or retreat. If General Shi is transferred back to the United States, the implementation of the plan will inevitably be delayed. Moreover, General Marshall was very close to Stilwell, and when he heard of this move, he would be unhappy and affect Sino-US relations. As a compromise, Stilwell could be asked to leave Yucheng for a period of time and be stationed in India to take charge of the training and counteroffensive operations of the X troops in India. ”

"That's a good idea." Chiang Kai-shek used to applaud some things, but not necessarily sincerely, but this time he was really consistent. In this way, Curie's face was given; The annoying Stilwell also sent away from afar, and handed over the broken troops that retreated to India to him!

Curie further asked: "Before General Shi leaves Chongqing for India, I wonder if Your Excellency can meet with the two of us at the same time to discuss the three-way counteroffensive plan." ”

"Absolutely. I would also like to invite General Shi to a farewell banquet for Your Excellency. I would like to ask you to convey to your American friends that there is absolutely no personal dispute between me and General Shi. ”

Chiang Kai-shek's answer was cheerful and calm.

"That is self-evident, Your Excellency." Curie is witty and cunning.

"Hahaha!"

Chiang Kai-shek and Curie laughed together. The laughter was heard on both the east and west shores of the Pacific Ocean.

At the end of July, the officers and soldiers in front of and behind Du Yuming struggled out of the Savage Mountain one after another and came to Ledo on the Indian border. Here they gathered their ranks, organized their formations, and counted their soldiers.

In the makeshift shelter with tents and parachutes, the people who survived the catastrophe were brought together, not a single well-dressed person, not a single healthy person, not a single human!

Is this a relic of Savage Mountain?

His clothes were torn into strips of cloth by thorns, and he walked and fluttered in the wind, like a curtain of cloth dragging mud and water. Some people simply have no clothes, pull a parachute, wrap themselves around their bodies, and make them colorful and nondescript. All of them were lion's heads, and their wet, dirty, and smelly hair was unkempt, like a chicken's nest, and their beards were a few inches long, and their green nails were old and long, like the claws of the devil. Everyone has a body of lice, and their clothes, hair, and beard are all lice nests. Everyone is ischemic, pale, with loose skin, and blisters in the eye sockets. Up and down the body, there are pieces of red envelopes, black envelopes, and purple envelopes. It was a wound left by mosquitoes and locusts, some were suppurating, some were scabbed, mottled all over, pimples, like tattooed savages. This is the mark given by Savage Mountain, and it is the number one that the jungle wears.

Most of them were on crutches, and many were unable to stand. Some of them were carried across the Savage Mountain, some were carried out, some came out on their knees, and some climbed out. At the Ledo shelter, there was no one who could not get sick, and there was no one who was not injured. However, none of them were wounded in battle, and the officers and soldiers wounded in the war had long been buried in Savage Mountain. Those who come out alive are the strongest men.

The weapons were almost all gone. Heavy weapons are destroyed before they enter the mountains, and there are very few light weapons left, and even if they do, many cannot be used. After two months of soaking in muddy water, the iron parts of the guns were rusty, the parts of the wood were rotten, and the bullets and grenades were damp, smelly, and could not be fired.

Savage Mountain transformed man. Pale and puffy skin, unable to withstand the scorching exposure, after leaving the mountain, immediately blistered, heat stroke people are particularly many. The stomach and intestines seem to be able to only bear wild fruits and grass roots, but now eating rice, fish, and oil, they have diarrhea and get sick. Drilling grass nests for a long time, sleeping in plantain sheds, and rejecting beds, mosquito nets, and bedding. Many people lie on bamboo beds covered with mosquito nets, tossing and turning, unable to sleep at night.

There was nothing more sad than hearing the news of his companion's death. At the shelter in Ledo, people who had survived the dead went around asking about their superiors, their men, their countrymen or their friends. No matter if you find it or not, you cry. found it, hugged each other's heads and cried, it was a cry of surprise; If you can't find it, you cry alone, and that's a sad cry. There was an old platoon leader, carrying a bamboo cane and holding a wooden sign with the names of the whole platoon, looking for his soldiers everywhere. He walked through the various shelters in Ledo, searched all the containment registers, and found none, and this kind and kind old soldier cried loudly at the swarthy Savage Mountain: "None of them came out, and I was the only one left." Why am I the only one? Savage Mountain, you devil, eat people and don't spit out bones! ”

A 17-year-old telephone soldier was dying of starvation in the mountains, and a squad leader gave him half a bud and saved his life. Now, carrying a bottle of wine and a roast chicken, he searched for his savior, and after three days of searching, he was told that the squad leader had starved to death in the mountains. When the little telephone soldier heard this, he smashed the wine bottle, threw away the roast chicken, and cried to death.

In a large wooden house in the east of the city of Ledo, Du Yuming's temporary command post was set up here. Although his body had recovered, he was in even greater pain.

As a result of the count, the army headquarters had a total of 1,205 men, and only 3,121 men remained in the new 22nd Division. The most wronged were the female soldiers, when they entered the mountain, there were 45 of them, and after leaving the mountain, there were only 4 survivors.

After listening to the report of Chief of Staff Luo Youlun, Du Yuming couldn't say a word for a long time.

Division commander Liao Yaoxiang is a tough guy, easy not to say a word, let alone cry, at this moment, tears blurred his eyes, he cried bitterly: "The new 22nd Division fought in Burma for two months, only 2,000 casualties, and in Savage Mountain, it lost more than 4,000 people without firing a shot, without firing a single shot, without seeing a drop of blood." How did I become a division commander? ”

Du Yuming is even more miserable.

Liao Yaoxiang is only a division, and he has an army in his hands, and he is even responsible for the entire expeditionary force. In front of and behind Du Yuming, how many unjust souls should there be, and how many unjust ghosts should there be!

(To be continued)